Gifts

I have loved all the media the church has put out this year for Christmas. A Savior is Born might be my favorite Mormon Message ever!
The daily GIFs are adorable, simple and striking.
I'm so thankful for this time of year. Everything is a little more sparkly, a little more cheerful and a little more generous.
I got to play in church today with the ward choir. I got the music on Friday and was so excited that it was "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks". I think it's so pretty and fun to change up the traditional Christmas hymns. This is the version we did.

I went to Sunday School with Ruby and stayed for Young Womens. I just love Young Womens, I've always felt a connection to it. I hope I'm called to Young Womens when I graduate from the Singles ward.
We talked about Mary and her divine role as the earthly mother of Christ. We mentioned that our earthly mother must have been preparing Mary for her mission on Earth. Our heavenly mother also prepared all of us, to fulfill our missions on Earth. We also talked about spiritual gifts. This quote by Marvin J. Ashton really stood out to me...

"Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost."

Heavenly Father gives ALL of us spiritual gifts, but we don't each get ALL the spiritual gifts. Heavenly Father knows how unique we are and gives us spiritual gifts according to our trials and the people we can bless from using our gifts. There are so many different gifts and it enables us to be able to help one another more fully. Using our gifts also makes us serve, give and love more generously.
This upcoming year I want to do a better job of developing spiritual gifts that I desire or Heavenly Father wants me to have. Especially since I'm planning on serving a mission, I want to have the gift of teaching and of discernment.

Happy Sabbath!!